Selective Service Registration
Congress has made Selective Service registration a requirement for obtaining a number of federal benefits including student loans, job training, government jobs, and citizenship for male immigrants. Under Federal law, young men who do not register by the time they are 26 may never receive these benefits. Additionally, although rarely prosecuted, failure to register is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The State of Illinois requires Selective Service registration as a precondition for state student financial aid (110 ILCS 5/30-17.1) and as a precondition for state employment. Governor James Thompson signed these in 1984 and 1989, respectively. On January 1, 2002, an Illinois law became effective requiring men to be registered with Selective Service to obtain a state driver's license. Governor George Ryan signed this legislation on July 20, 2001.
To register for Selective Service, visit: https://www.sss.gov/register/.
